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Washington

Washington

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Demographics

Majority WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 56
Population7,740,984
Foreign Born7.8%
Population Density116people per mi²
Median Age38.2 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
ChangingSince 2000, this state has seen significant changes in racial and ethnic composition in a short time.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
C
Average

A livable area that tracks near national norms for affordability, walkability, and neighborhood health.

Quality of Life measures an area by evaluating factors like cost of living, nearby amenities, country club access, airport proximity, socioeconomic signals and neighborhood character. For large states, this is a general average — quality of life can vary dramatically between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities within the same state.

Cost of Living

161/100

61% above national average

C+
Affordability Ratio

64%

The Real Cost of Living in Washington

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $27k$50k
Comfortable $101k$148k
Luxury $172k+$266k+
Elite (Top 5%) $210k+$326k+

Economics

Overall Economy Grade
A
Great

A high-performing local economy. Incomes, home values, and employment meaningfully outpace national averages.

Median HHI
$95k+5.1%
26% above US avg
Avg Net Worth
$1M
53% above US avg
WFH
17.7%
24% above US avg
Homeownership
63.9%
2% below US avg
Median Home
$520k
84% above US avg
Avg HH Debt
$24k
35% above US avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
14% below US avg
Public Assistance
12.7%
9% above US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
32% above US avg
Median Rent
$2k
45% above US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
C+
Moderate

Crime rates similar to the national median for U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
21.0
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
−30.5%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr−21.0%
Homicide
0.03 / 1k Residents57% below US avg
Robbery
0.48 / 1k Residents27% below US avg
Aggravated Assault
1.81 / 1k Residents33% below US avg

Property Crime

5yr−40.0%
Burglary
2.94 / 1k Residents9% above US avg
Larceny-Theft
12.93 / 1k Residents8% below US avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
2.32 / 1k Residents18% below US avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: D+9Leans Liberal
State Legislature of Washington
Washington Senate30D · 19R
Washington House59D · 39R
Presidential Voting Trends for Washington
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
C-
Weak10.7% of income
Property Rights
C-
FairIJ Grade C-
Firearm Rights
F
PoorFPC Grade F
Homeschooling
D-
PoorHigh regulation

Energy independence: Importer (55% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
A+
Fully OpenRetail sales legal
Gambling Laws
A
Broadly OpenCasinos · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
A+
Fully LegalRecreational

Homesteading

Growing Season201 daysstatewide average
Annual Rainfall30.1"statewide average
Elevation1,440 ftstatewide average

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
D
Vulnerable

Multiple tactical vulnerabilities. Population density, target proximity, or disaster risk are likely compounding. A retreat property and exit planning is required.

Best Places to Live

Cities

Largest Cities in Washington

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-19T01:49:13.000Z

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